Surgical handle articulation assemblies

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure includes apparatuses for a surgical handle assembly. An example apparatus includes a reloadable cartridge assembly and a surgical handle assembly including an articulation assembly configured to maintain the reloadable cartridge assembly in a first operation position, the articulation assembly comprising a knob in a first position, a lock core coupled to the knob, a housing, a first roller and a second roller, and a first spring, wherein the first roller is positioned on a first end of the first spring and the second roller is positioned on a second end of the first spring, and wherein the first spring is configured to bias the first roller and the second roller between the lock core and the housing to maintain the knob in the first position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a surgical handle assembly,and more particularly, to articulation assemblies for a surgical handleassembly.

BACKGROUND

A surgical handle assembly can be used in a number of surgical devices.One example includes use as a surgical stapler. A surgical stapler is afastening device used to clamp tissue between opposing jaw structures tojoin tissue using surgical fasteners. Surgical staplers can include twoelongated members used to clamp the tissue. One of the elongated memberscan include one or more reloadable cartridges and the other elongatedmember can include an anvil that can be used to form a staple whendriven from the reloadable cartridge. A surgical stapler can receive oneor more reloadable cartridges. An example of reloadable cartridges caninclude having rows of staples having a linear length. For example, arow of staples can have a linear length between 30 mm and 60 mm. Astaple can be ejected by actuation of a movable handle member that is apart of the surgical handle assembly of the surgical stapler.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus including a surgicalhandle assembly and a reloadable cartridge assembly in accordance with anumber of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a schematic diagram of an articulationassembly in accordance with a number of embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of an articulation assembly including aknob, a cam, and a sliding link in a 0 degree knob position inaccordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of an articulation assembly including aknob, a cam, and a sliding link in a 90 degree knob position inaccordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram of an articulation assembly including aknob, a cam, and a sliding link in a −90 degree knob position inaccordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of an apparatus including a surgicalhandle assembly apparatus including an articulation assembly and areloadable cartridge assembly in a 0 degree operation position inaccordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of an apparatus including a surgicalhandle assembly apparatus including an articulation assembly and areloadable cartridge assembly in a 45 degree operation position inaccordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram of an apparatus including a surgicalhandle assembly apparatus including an articulation assembly and areloadable cartridge assembly in a −45 degree operation position inaccordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an articulation assembly including a knob,a lock core, a top housing, and a cam in a 0 degree knob position inaccordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a knob in accordance with a number ofembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a lock core in accordance with a numberof embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a top view of a lock core in accordance with a number ofembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a knob and a top housing in accordance with anumber of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B is a section view of section A-A of FIG. 8A in accordance with anumber of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an articulation assembly in accordancewith a number of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an articulation assembly in accordancewith a number of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a knob in accordance with a number ofembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11B is a bottom view of a knob in accordance with a number ofembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11C is a section view of section D-D in FIG. 11B.

FIG. 12A is a top view of a lock core in accordance with a number ofembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a lock core in accordance with anumber of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12C is a bottom view of a lock core in accordance with a number ofembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13A is a side view of a knob and a top housing in accordance with anumber of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13B is a section view of section B-B of FIG. 13A in accordance witha number of embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13C is a section view of section C-C of FIG. 13A in accordance witha number of embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods for a surgicalstapler. An example apparatus includes a reloadable cartridge assemblyand a surgical handle assembly including an articulation assemblyconfigured to maintain the reloadable cartridge assembly in a firstoperation position. In some examples, the articulation assembly caninclude a knob in a first position, a lock core coupled to the knob, atop housing, a first roller and a second roller, and a first spring. Thefirst roller can be positioned on a first end of the first spring andthe second roller can be positioned on a second end of the first springand the first spring can be configured to bias the first roller and thesecond roller between the lock core and the top housing to maintain theknob in the first position.

In a number of embodiments, the articulation assembly is configured tomaintain the reloadable cartridge assembly in one of a plurality ofoperation positions. For example, the articulation assembly can beconfigured to maintain the reloadable cartridge assembly in the firstoperation position.

In some examples, the reloadable cartridge assembly can be configured torotate about an axis of a particular plane from the first operationposition to a second operation position. The articulation assembly canbe configured to actuate the reloadable cartridge assembly from thefirst operation position to the second operation position.

In a number of embodiments, the articulation assembly can furtherinclude a cam coupled to the lock core. The cam can include a pin memberthat moves linearly in response to the cam rotating. The pin member canbe positioned within a slot of a sliding link and the sliding link canbe coupled to an articulation arm. The sliding link and the articulationarm can move linearly in response to the pin member moving linearly.

The articulation arm can be coupled to the reloadable cartridgeassembly. The reloadable cartridge assembly can rotate from a firstoperation position to a second operation position in response to thearticulation arm moving linearly, as a result of the user rotating theknob.

In the following detailed description of the present disclosure,reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof,and in which is shown by way of illustration how one or more embodimentsof the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art topractice the embodiments of this disclosure, and it is to be understoodthat other embodiments may be utilized and that process, electrical, andstructural changes may be made without departing from the scope of thepresent disclosure.

As used herein, designators such as “N”, “M”, “P”, “Q”, “R”, “S”, “T”,“V”, “X”, “Y”, “Z”, etc., particularly with respect to referencenumerals in the drawings, indicate that a number of the particularfeature so designated can be included. It is also to be understood thatthe terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” can include both singular and pluralreferents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition,“a number of”, “at least one”, and “one or more” (e.g., a number ofpivot points) can refer to one or more pivot points, whereas a“plurality of” is intended to refer to more than one of such things.Furthermore, the words “can” and “may” are used throughout thisapplication in a permissive sense (i.e., having the potential to, beingable to), not in a mandatory sense (i.e., must). The term “include,” andderivations thereof, means “including, but not limited to”. The terms“coupled” and “coupling” mean to be directly or indirectly connectedphysically or for access to and movement of the apparatus, asappropriate to the context.

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the firstdigit or digits correspond to the figure number and the remaining digitsidentify an element or component in the figure. Similar elements orcomponents between different figures may be identified by the use ofsimilar digits. For example, 222 may reference element “22” in FIG. 2,and a similar element may be referenced as 322 in FIG. 3A. As will beappreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments herein can beadded, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number ofadditional embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, theproportion and/or the relative scale of the elements provided in thefigures are intended to illustrate certain embodiments of the presentdisclosure and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus 100 including a surgicalhandle assembly 102 and a reloadable cartridge assembly 103 inaccordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. Inthe example, the apparatus 100 can be a surgical stapler, for example.

As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the reloadable cartridge assembly103, e.g. a disposable loading unit, can be releasably secured to adistal end of an elongated body of the surgical handle assembly 102. Inthis example, the reloadable cartridge assembly 103 can include a firstelongated member 107 and a second elongated member 109 that can be usedto clamp tissue. One of the elongated members can house one or morestaple cartridges. The other elongated member can have an anvil that canbe used to form a staple when driven from the staple cartridge. Asmentioned, an apparatus 100 can receive reloadable cartridge assemblieshaving rows of staples. In a number of embodiments, third partyreloadable cartridge and/or reloadable cartridge assemblies may be usedwith the surgical handle assembly 102 and embodiments of surgical handleassembly 102 may be configured to receive the same.

The reloadable cartridge assembly 103 can be actuated using a knob 122to reach a stapling site and position the reloadable cartridge assembly103 at a particular angle for stapling. The knob 122 can be configuredto actuate rotationally and at least a portion of the reloadablecartridge assembly 103 (e.g., elongated members 107 and 109) can rotateabout an axis of a particular plane in response to the knob 122 beingactuated rotationally by a user.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a schematic diagram of an articulationassembly in accordance with a number of embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In some examples, the articulation assembly can include aknob 222, a cam 224, a lock core 240, a sliding link 234, anarticulation arm 236, a top housing 238, and a bottom housing 239.

The knob 222 can be coupled to the cam 224 and the lock core 240 can becoupled to the knob 222, the top housing 238, and the cam 224. In someexamples the knob 222 can be coupled to the cam 224 via a spring pin.The lock core 240 can actuate rotationally in response to the knob 222being rotationally actuated by a user which in turn rotationallyactuates cam 224.

In a number of embodiments, the cam 224 is coupled to a sliding link234. The cam 224 can include a pin member to move linearly within a slotof the sliding link 234. The sliding link 234 can be configured to movein a linear direction in response to the cam 224 actuating rotationally.In some examples, the sliding link 234 can be coupled to an articulationarm 236.

The articulation arm 236 can move in a linear direction in response tothe sliding link 234 moving in the linear direction. In some examples,the articulation arm 236 and the sliding link 234 can move in a lineardistal direction in response to the lock core 240, cam 224, and knob 222rotating counterclockwise. The articulation arm 236 and the sliding link234 can move in a linear proximal direction in response to the lock core240, cam 224, and knob 222 rotating clockwise.

The articulation arm 236 can be coupled to the reloadable cartridgeassembly (e.g., reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in FIG. 1). Thereloadable cartridge assembly can rotate counterclockwise in response tothe articulation arm 236 moving in the linear distal direction as aresult of the user rotating the knob 222 in a counterclockwisedirection. The reloadable cartridge assembly can rotate clockwise inresponse to the articulation arm 236 moving in the linear proximaldirection as a result of the user rotating the knob 222 in a clockwisedirection.

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of an articulation assembly including aknob 322, a cam 324, and a sliding link 334 in a 0 degree knob positionin accordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure.

As previously discussed, the cam 324 can include a pin member. The pinmember can be a part of the cam 324 or coupled to the cam 324. The pinmember can be positioned within a slot of the sliding link 334. Thelocation of the pin member on the cam 324 can determine whether thereloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadable cartridge assembly 103in FIG. 1) rotates counterclockwise or clockwise in response to the userrotating the knob 322 counterclockwise or clockwise.

For example, with the location of the pin member of the cam 324 shown inFIG. 3A, the sliding link 334 can move in a linear distal directioncausing the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadable cartridgeassembly 103 in FIG. 1) to move counterclockwise in response to the knob322 rotating counterclockwise and the sliding link 334 can move in alinear proximal direction causing the reloadable cartridge assembly tomove clockwise in response to the knob 322 rotating clockwise. In someexamples, the pin member of the cam 324 can be located in a location onthe cam 324, such that the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g.,reloadable cartridge assembly 103 in FIG. 1) will rotate clockwise inresponse to the knob 322 rotating counterclockwise and the reloadablecartridge assembly will rotate counterclockwise in response to the knob322 rotating clockwise.

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of an articulation assembly including aknob 322, a cam 324, and a sliding link 334 in a 90 degree knob positionin accordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure.

With the location of the pin member of the cam 324 shown in FIG. 3B, thereloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadable cartridge assembly 103in FIG. 1) can be in a 45 degree operation mode in response to the knob322 being in the 90 degree knob position. In some examples, the pinmember of the cam 324 can be located in a location on the cam 324, suchthat the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadable cartridgeassembly 103 in FIG. 1) will be in a −45 degree operation mode inresponse to the knob 322 being in a 90 degree knob position.

FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram of an articulation assembly including aknob 322, a cam 324, and a sliding link 334 in a −90 degree knobposition in accordance with a number of embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

With the location of the pin member of the cam 324 shown in FIG. 3C, thereloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadable cartridge assembly 103in FIG. 1) can be in a −45 degree operation mode in response to the knob322 being in the −90 degree knob position. In some examples, the pinmember of the cam 324 can be located in a location on the cam 324, suchthat the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadable cartridgeassembly 103 in FIG. 1) will be in a 45 degree operation mode inresponse to the knob 322 being in a −90 degree knob position.

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of an apparatus including a surgicalhandle assembly apparatus 402 including an articulation assembly 420 anda reloadable cartridge assembly 403 in a 0 degree operation position inaccordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. Thearticulation assembly 420 can include a knob 422.

In a number of embodiments, the articulation assembly 420 can beconfigured to maintain the reloadable cartridge assembly 403 in anoperation position corresponding to knob 422. In this example, the knob422 is in a 0 degree knob position. As such, the reloadable cartridgeassembly 403 is in the corresponding 0 degree operation position and ismaintained in the 0 degree operation position as long as the knob 422 ismaintained in the 0 degree knob position.

The articulation assembly 420 can be configured to actuate thereloadable cartridge assembly 403 from a first operation position, forexample a 0 degree operation position, corresponding to a first knobposition, for example a 0 degree knob position, to a different operationposition corresponding to a different knob position.

The reloadable cartridge assembly 403 can be actuated to any operationposition totaling approximately 90 degrees. In some examples, thereloadable cartridge assembly 403 can be actuated to a number ofoperation positions between approximately 45 degrees and −45 degrees inresponse to the knob 422 being actuated to a number of knob positionsbetween approximately 90 degrees and −90 degrees. The reloadablecartridge assembly 403 can be actuated to an operation position of 12.2,26, −8.4, and/or −16.8 degrees, for example.

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of an assembly apparatus including asurgical handle assembly apparatus 402 including an articulationassembly 420 and a reloadable cartridge assembly 403 in a 45 degreeoperation position in accordance with a number of embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In some examples the articulation assembly 420 caninclude a knob 422.

In a number of embodiments, the articulation assembly 420 can beconfigured to maintain the reloadable cartridge assembly 403 in anoperation position corresponding to a knob position. In this example,the knob 422 is maintained in a 90 degree knob position. As such, thereloadable cartridge assembly 403 is in the corresponding 45 degreeoperation position and is maintained in the 45 degree operation positionas long as the knob 422 is maintained in the 90 degree knob position.

The articulation assembly 420 can be configured to actuate thereloadable cartridge assembly 403 from the 45 degree operation positioncorresponding to a 90 degree knob position, to a different operationposition corresponding to a different knob position.

FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram of an assembly apparatus including asurgical handle assembly apparatus 402 including an articulationassembly 420 and a reloadable cartridge assembly 403 in a −45 degreeoperation position in accordance with a number of embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In some examples the articulation assembly 420 caninclude a knob 422.

In a number of embodiments, the articulation assembly 420 can beconfigured to maintain the reloadable cartridge assembly 403 in anoperation position corresponding to a knob position. In this example,the knob 422 is maintained in a −90 degree knob position. As such, thereloadable cartridge assembly 403 is in the corresponding −45 degreeoperation position and is maintained in the −45 degree operationposition as long as the knob 422 is maintained in the −90 degree knobposition.

In some examples, the reloadable cartridge assembly 403 can be actuatedto a number of operation positions from the −45 degree operationposition in response to the knob 422 being actuated by a user. Thearticulation assembly 420 can be configured to actuate the reloadablecartridge assembly 403 from the −45 degree operation positioncorresponding to the −90 degree knob position to a different operationposition corresponding to a different knob position.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an articulation assembly including a knob522, a lock core 540, a top housing 538, and a cam 524 in a 0 degreeknob position in accordance with a number of embodiments of the presentdisclosure. In some examples, the articulation assembly can furtherinclude one or more rollers 544-1, 544-2, 544-3, 544-4, 544-5, 544-X,one or more roller springs 546-1, 546-2, 546-Y, a detent spring 548, adetent sphere 550, and a spring pin 558. Although, six rollers 544-1, .. . , 544-X and three roller springs 546-1, . . . , 546-Y areillustrated, an articulation assembly can include any number of rollers544-1, . . . , 544-X and any numbers of roller springs 546-1, . . . ,546-Y. In some examples, the rollers 544-1, . . . , 544-X can be madeout of metal or plastic.

The knob 522 can include an opening 552 (e.g., a slot) and the knob 522can be coupled to the cam 524 via a spring pin 558, for example. As willbe described below, spring pin 558 keeps knob 522 attached to the shaftof cam 524 but does not interfere with the rotation of knob 522 asopening 552 allows the knob 522 to rotate without interference from pin558.

In some examples, the lock core 540 can be coupled to the top housing538 and cam 524 can be coupled to lock core 540. For example, whenassembled, lock core 540 fits within cylindrical opening 554 of the tophousing 538, the shaft of cam 524 fits within spline 542 (e.g., anopening) of lock core 540, and pin 558 is within opening 556 of cam 524and opening 552 of the knob 522.

The top surface of top housing 538, can include a stop slot 553. Knob522 can further include a stop tab (e.g., stop tab 662 in FIG. 6). Thestop tab can be located within stop slot 553. The stop tab can limit therotation of knob 522 in response to contacting an end of the stop slot553.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of knob 622. The bottom of knob 622 caninclude a number of tabs 660-1, 660-2, 660-3, 660-Z (e.g., lugs orbosses). The tabs 660-1, . . . , 660-Z, 662 can be a part of or coupledto knob 622. As will be further explained in FIG. 8B, one or more oftabs 660-1, . . . , 660-Z can be used to contact one or more rollers(e.g., rollers 544-1, . . . , 544-X in FIG. 5) in response to a rotationof knob 622.

As previously described in connection with FIG. 5, knob 622 can furtherinclude a stop tab 662. The stop tab 662 can be located within a stopslot (e.g., stop slot 553 in FIG. 5). The stop tab 662 can limit therotation of knob 622 in response to contacting an end of the stop slot.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a lock core 740 in accordance with anumber of embodiments of the present disclosure. In FIG. 7A, lock core740 includes a top portion 764, one or more spring tabs 766-1, 766-2,766-M each including a roller spring opening 768-1, 768-2, 768-N, adetent tab 770 including a detent spring opening 772, a spline 742, anda key 774.

FIG. 7A illustrates three spring tabs 766-1, . . . , 766-M, but a lockcore 740 can include any number of spring tabs 766-1, . . . , 766-M.Each of the one or more spring tabs 766-1, . . . , 766-M can include oneor more roller spring openings 768-1, . . . , 768-N. A portion of one ormore roller springs (e.g., roller springs 546-1, . . . , 546-Y in FIG.5) can be located within the one or more roller spring openings 768-1, .. . , 768-N. The one or more roller spring openings 768-1, . . . , 768-Ncan extend a particular distance into the one or more spring tabs 766-1,. . . , 766-M or extend through the one or more spring tabs 766-1, . . ., 766-M to allow a roller spring to pass through the one or more springtabs 766-1, . . . , 766-M. For example, roller spring opening 768-N canextend through spring tab 766-M and a spring (e.g., spring 546-Y in FIG.5) can be located within roller spring opening 768-N and extend throughspring tab 766-M to contact a roller (e.g., roller 544-X in FIG. 5) on afirst side of spring tab 766-M and contact a roller (e.g., roller 544-5in FIG. 5) on a second side of tab 766-M. In some examples, each of theone or more roller spring openings 768-1, . . . , 768-N can extend aparticular distance into the one or more spring tabs 766-1, . . . ,766-M to prevent the one or more springs from extending through the oneor more spring tabs 766-1, . . . , 766-M and allow a first spring toextend from an opening of the one or more openings 768-1, . . . , 768-Non a first side of a tab of the one or more spring tabs 766-1, . . . ,766-M and a second spring to extend from an opening of the one or moreopenings 768-1, . . . , 768-N on a second side of a tab of the one ormore spring tabs 766-1, . . . , 766-M.

Detent tab 770 can include detent spring opening 772. A portion of adetent spring (e.g., detent spring 548 in FIG. 5) can be located withindetent spring opening 772. The detent spring can bias a detent sphere(e.g., detent sphere 550 in FIG. 5), into an opening when a knob (e.g.,knob 622 in FIG. 6) is located at 0 degrees. In some examples, the knobcan include one continuous tab instead of two tabs of the one or moretabs (e.g., tabs 660-1, . . . , 660-Z in FIG. 6) in response to thearticulation assembly not including the detent tab 770. For example, afirst tab (e.g., tab 660-1 in FIG. 6) and a second tab (e.g., tab 660-Zin FIG. 6) can be combined into one tab.

Spline 742 can be an opening through lock core 740. The shaft of a cam(e.g., cam 524 in FIG. 5) can be positioned within spline 742. The cambe forced to move rotationally in response to the lock core 740 movingrotationally.

The lock core 740 can further include a key 774. The key can be a voidin the lock core 740, for example, used in the manufacturing process ofthe articulation assembly. Using the position of key 774, either amanual or automated manufacturing system can place lock core 740 intocylindrical opening (e.g., cylindrical opening 554 in FIG. 5) in theproper orientation.

FIG. 7B is a top view of a lock core 740 in accordance with a number ofembodiments of the present disclosure. The lock core 740 includes one ormore spring tabs 766-1, 766-2, 766-M, a detent tab 770, a spline 742,portions of a concentric void 778-1, 778-2, 778-3, 778-Q, and jammingsurfaces 776-1, 776-2, 776-3, 776-4, 776-5, 776-P.

In this embodiment, the portions of the concentric void 778-1, . . . ,778-Q can create a discontinuous cylinder with a circumference less thanthe inner circumference of a cylindrical opening (e.g., opening 554 inFIG. 5). Jamming surfaces 776-1, . . . , 776-P can be chords of thecircle corresponding to the portions of the concentric void 778-1, . . ., 778-Q. When lock core 740 is placed in the cylindrical opening, thedepth from the surface of the cylindrical opening to the surface of thejamming surfaces 776-1, . . . , 776-P range from being slightly morethan the diameter of each of the one or more rollers (e.g., rollers544-1, 544-2, 544-3, 544-4, 544-5, 544-X in FIG. 5) to matching thedepth of the portions of the concentric void 778-1, . . . , 778-Q. Thedepth of the portions of the concentric void 778-1, . . . , 778-Q areless than the diameter of each of the one or more rollers butsufficiently large enough to accommodate movement of the one or morespring tabs 776-1, . . . , 766-M. The radial outer surface of the one ormore spring tabs 776-1, . . . , 766-M is sufficient to accommodatespring openings 768-1, . . . , 768-N while allowing rotation in thecylindrical opening. The radial outer surface of tab 770 has a diametersufficient to accommodate detent spring opening (e.g., detent springopening 772 in FIG. 7A) while allowing rotation in the cylindricalopening.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a knob 822 and a top housing 838. FIG. 8Afurther illustrates an end of spring pin 858 located within knob opening852 and tip 891 located at an end of knob 822.

FIG. 8B is a section view of section A-A of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8B illustratesstop tab 862, one or more tabs 860-1, 860-2, 860-3, 860-Z, detent spring848, detent sphere 850, one or more rollers 844-1, 844-2, 844-3, 844-4,844-5, 844-X, one or more roller springs 846-1, 846-2, 846-Y, a lockcore 840 including spline 842, shaft of cam 824, cylindrical opening854, detent opening 872, and tip 891.

The knob 822 can include stop tab 862. The stop tab 862 can bepositioned within stop slot 853 of top housing 838. The length of stopslot 853 can limit the rotation of knob 822. For example, the knob willnot be able to rotate past either end of stop slot 853.

Detent sphere 850, with outward force provided by detent spring 848, isshown in detent opening 872. The detent opening 872 can be sized smallerthan the diameter of the detent sphere 850. When detent sphere 850 ispositioned in detent opening 872, knob 822 and the distal end of thereloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadable cartridge assembly 103in FIG. 1) are parallel to the longitudinal axis of the reloadablecartridge. In some embodiments, when detent sphere 850 moves into detentopening 872, a tactile and/or auditory indication is provided to theuser.

The one or more rollers 844-1, . . . , 844-X are positioned on eitherside of each of the one or more roller springs 846-1, . . . , 846-Y. Forexample, roller 844-1 is positioned on a first end of spring 846-1 androller 844-2 is positioned on a second end of spring 846-1, roller 844-3is positioned on a first end of spring 846-2 and roller 844-4 ispositioned on a second end of spring 846-2, and roller 844-5 ispositioned on a first end of spring 846-Y and roller 844-X is positionedon a second end of spring 846-Y. Each of the one or more roller springs846-1, . . . , 846-Y provide a force that moves the one or more rollers844-1, . . . , 844-X on either end of each of the one or more rollersprings 846-1, . . . , 846-Y away from each other.

To articulate the reloadable cartridge assembly, the user will rotateknob 822. Rotation of knob 822 in a clockwise direction, will cause theone or more tabs 860-1, . . . , 860-Z to rotate and move the one or morerollers 844-2, . . . , 844-X in a clockwise direction, overcoming theforce of the one or more roller springs 846-1, . . . , 846-Y. Thisclockwise movement can cause the one or more rollers 844-2, . . . ,844-X to move from the intersection of the jamming surfaces (e.g.,jamming surfaces 776-1, . . . , 776-P in FIG. 7B) and the portions ofconcentric void (e.g., portions of the concentric void 778-1, . . . ,778-Q in FIG. 7B) into the larger depth portion of the jamming surfacesof lock core 840. For example, tab 860-1 will contact and apply force toroller 844-1 in response to the rotation of the knob 822 in theclockwise direction. Roller 844-1 will apply force to roller spring846-1 in response to the applied force from tab 860-1 and roller spring846-1 will apply force to roller 844-2 in response to the applied forcefrom roller spring 846-1. As the roller 844-2 is pushed in a clockwisedirection, the roller 844-2 pushes on jamming surface (e.g., jammingsurface 776-1 in FIG. 7B) proximate to a portion of the concentric void(e.g., portion of the concentric void 778-1 in FIG. 7B). As the depthbetween the inner wall of cylindrical opening 854 and the intersectionof the portion of the concentric void and the jamming surface is lessthan the diameter of the rollers 844-2, . . . , 844-X, the movement ofthe 844-2 roller will cause lock core 840 to move in a clockwisedirection. This rotation of lock core 840 rotates cam 824 and causessliding link (e.g., sliding link 234 in FIG. 2) and articulation arm(e.g., articulation arm 236 in FIG. 2) to move in a distal directioncausing the distal end of the reloadable cartridge assembly to move in(e.g., rotate in) a clockwise direction.

Similarly, to articulate the reloadable cartridge assembly in acounterclockwise direction, the user can rotate the knob 822 in acounterclockwise direction. In some examples, rotation of knob 822 in acounterclockwise direction, will cause tab 860-2 to move roller 844-2 ina counterclockwise direction, overcoming the force of roller spring846-1. This counterclockwise movement causes the roller 844-2 to movefrom the intersection of the jamming surface and concentric void intothe larger depth portion of the jamming surface of lock core 840.

In a number of embodiments, continued counterclockwise rotation of knob822 causes the 844-2 roller to continue pushing on roller springs 846-1and the roller spring 846-1 to push on roller 844-1. As the 846-1 rolleris pushed in a counterclockwise direction, the 846-1 roller pushes onthe jamming surface proximate to a portion of the concentric void. Asthe depth between the inner wall of the cylindrical opening 854 and theintersection of the portion of the concentric void and the jammingsurface is less than the diameter of the roller 846-1, the movement ofthe roller 846-1 will cause lock core 840 to move in a counterclockwisedirection. This rotation of lock core 840 rotates cam 824 and causessliding link 234 and articulation arm 236 to move in a proximaldirection causing the distal end of the reloadable cartridge assembly tomove in a counterclockwise direction.

The articulation assembly can maintain the reloadable cartridge assemblyin an operation position. When the user stops rotating knob 822 and theknob 822 stops applying force onto the roller 844-1, the roller 844-1,due to the force of the roller spring 846-1, moves to a position wherethe roller 844-1 pushes on the jamming surface proximate to the portionof the concentric void and the roller 844-2, due to the force of theroller spring 846-1, moves to a position where the roller 844-2 pusheson the jamming surface distal to the portion of the concentric void.With the rollers 844-1 and 844-2 in these positions, the lock core 840will not move in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction until a userrotates the knob 822. As such, the articulation assembly will maintainthe knob 822 in its current position and the reloadable cartridgeassembly in its current operation position.

Knob 822 can be rotated a distance before cam 824 begins to rotate bycoupling the knob 822 to the shaft of cam 824 via a spring pin 858located within the opening 852 in knob 822. As knob 822 begins torotate, initially cam 824 and spring pin 858 stay stationary. Stationaryspring pin 858 does not interfere with the rotation of knob 822 asopening 852 allows the knob 822 to rotate without interference from thespring pin 858. As described above, the cam 824 rotates in response torotation of the lock core 840.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of an articulation assembly in accordancewith a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. The articulationassembly can include a knob 922, a cam 924, a lock core 940, a slidinglink 934, an articulation arm 936, a top housing 938, and a bottomhousing 939, which have been previously described in connection withFIG. 2. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the articulation assembly can furtherinclude one or more detent spheres 984-1 and 984-R and one or moredetent springs 986-1 and 986-S.

The one or more detent spheres 984-1 and 984-R and the one or moredetent springs 986-1 and 986-S can be used to indicate when the knob 922and reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadable cartridge assembly103 in FIG. 1) are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the reloadablecartridge. The top housing 938 can include one or more detent springopenings, not shown, for each of the one or more detent springs 986-1,986-S. A portion of each of the one or more detent springs 986-1, 986-Scan be located within the one or more detent spring openings. Each ofthe one or more detent springs can bias a detent sphere of the one ormore detent spheres 984-1, 984-R into each of the one or more detentsphere openings in the knob 922 in response to the knob 922 beinglocated at 0 degrees.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of an articulation assembly in accordancewith a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. The articulationassembly can include a knob 1022, a cam 1024, a lock core 1040, one ormore roller springs 1046-1, 1046-2, 1046-Y, one or more rollers 1044-1,1044-2, 1044-3, 1044-4, 1044-5, 1044-X, top housing 1038, a spring pin1058, one or more detent spheres 1084-1, 1084-R, one or more detentsprings 1086-1, 1086-S and a knob opening 1052, which have beenpreviously described. The articulation assembly can further include acylinder 1088 and one or more detent spring openings 1090-1, 1090-T.

Cylinder 1088 can be located within top housing 1038. For example,cylinder 1088 can be molded into cylindrical opening 1054 duringmanufacturing. In some examples, cylinder 1088 can be made from metal orplastic.

As previously described in connection with FIG. 9, the one or moredetent spheres 1084-1 and 1084-R and the one or more detent springs1086-1 and 1086-S can be used to indicate when the knob 1022 andreloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadable cartridge assembly 103in FIG. 1) are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the reloadablecartridge assembly. The knob 1022 can include one or more detent sphereopenings (e.g., detent sphere openings 1192-1, 1192-V in FIG. 11) foreach of the one or more detent spheres 1084-1, 1084-R and the tophousing 838 can include one or more detent spring openings 1090-1,1090-T for each of the one or more detent springs 1086-1, 1086-S. Aportion of each of the one or more detent springs 1086-1, 1086-S can belocated within the one or more detent spring openings. Each of the oneor more detent springs 1086-1, 1086-S can bias a detent sphere of theone or more detent spheres 1084-1, 1084-R into each of the one or moredetent sphere openings in the knob 1022 in response to the knob 1022being located at 0 degrees. In some examples, when detent spheres1084-1, 1084-R move into detent sphere openings, a tactile and/orauditory indication is provided to the user.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of knob 1122 in accordance with a numberof embodiments of the present disclosure. The bottom of knob 1122includes one or more tabs 1160-1, 1160-2, 1160-Z. As illustrated in FIG.11A, the knob can include, but is not limited to, three tabs 1160-1,1160-2, 1160-Z that move one or more rollers (e.g., rollers 1044-1, . .. , 1044-X in FIG. 10).

FIG. 11B is a bottom view of a knob 1122 in accordance with a number ofembodiments of the present disclosure. Knob 1122 can include one or moretabs 1160-1, 1160-2, 1160-Z and one or more detent sphere openings1192-1, 1192-V. Detent spheres (e.g., detent spheres 1084-1, 1084-R inFIG. 10) can fit into detent sphere openings 1192-1, 1192-V when knob1122 is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the reloadable cartridgeassembly. In some embodiments, when detent spheres move into detentsphere openings 1192-1, 1192-V, a tactile and/or auditory indication isprovided to the user.

FIG. 11C is a section view of D-D in FIG. 11B. As illustrated in FIG.11C, the knob 1122 can include one or more tabs 1160-1, 1160-2 and oneor more detent openings 1192-1, 1192-V, as previously described inconnection with FIG. 11B.

FIG. 12A is a top view of a lock core 1240 in accordance with a numberof embodiments of the present disclosure. The lock core 1240, aspreviously described in FIG. 7B, can include a spline 1242, jammingsurfaces 1276-1, 1276-2, 1276-3, 1276-4, 1276-5, 1276-P, one or morespring tabs 1266-1, 1266-2, 1266-M, and portions of a concentric void1278-1, 1278-2, 1278-Q. As illustrated in FIG. 12A, the lock core 1240can include, but is not limited to, three spring tabs 1266-1, 1266-2,1266-M.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a lock core 1240 in accordance with anumber of embodiments of the present disclosure. The lock core 1240, aspreviously described in connection with FIG. 7A, can include a spline1242, one or more spring tabs 1266-1, 1266-2, 1266-M, one or more rollerspring openings 1268-1, 1268-2, 1268-N, a key 1274, a top portion 1264,and a bottom portion 1284. As illustrated in FIG. 12B, the lock core1240 can include, but is not limited to, three spring tabs 1266-1,1266-2, 1266-M.

FIG. 12C is a bottom view of a lock core 1240 in accordance with anumber of embodiments of the present disclosure. The lock core 1240, aspreviously described in connection with FIG. 7A, can include a spline1242, a bottom portion 1284, and a key 1274. As illustrated in FIG. 12C,the lock core 1240 can further include a stop lug 1293. The stop lug1293 can be located in a groove (e.g., groove 1398 in FIG. 13C) to limitthe rotation of lock core 1240, as will be further discussed inconnection with FIG. 13C.

FIG. 13A is a side view of a knob 1322 and a top housing 1338 inaccordance with a number of embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG.13A further illustrates an end of spring pin 1358 located within knobopening 1352 and tip 1391 located at an end of knob 1322.

FIG. 13B is a section view of section B-B of FIG. 13A in accordance witha number of embodiments of the present disclosure. As previouslydiscussed in connection with FIG. 8B, an articulation assembly caninclude one or more tabs 1360-1, 1360-2, 1360-Z, one or more rollers1344-1, 1344-2, 1344-3, 1344-4, 1344-5, 1344-X, one or more rollersprings 1346-1, 1346-2, 1346-Y, a lock core 1340 including spline 1342,shaft of cam 1324, and tip 1391. FIG. 13B further includes a cylinder1388 and one or more detent spring openings 1390-1, 1390-T, previouslydescribed in connection with FIG. 10.

FIG. 13C is a section view of section C-C of FIG. 13A in accordance witha number of embodiments of the present disclosure. Lock core 1340includes stop lug 1393 and top housing 1338 includes groove 1398. Asillustrated in FIG. 13C, stop lug 1393 is located within groove 1398.Stop tab 1397 being coupled to or a part of lock core 1340, limits therotation of lock core 1340 and accordingly limits the rotation of knob1322 and the reloadable cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadable cartridgeassembly 103 in FIG. 1) in response to stop tab 1397 contacting an endof groove 1398.

In many prior art articulation mechanisms, the articulation of themedical device is limited to a certain number of discrete positions. Inthe embodiments disclosed herein, the mechanism can, subject to a stopif used or to the physical limitation of the mechanism, be articulatedto any angle.

In many embodiments herein, the handle assembly (e.g., handle assembly102 in FIG. 1) is shown as being manually actuated. Other handleassemblies such as ones that are driven by an electric motor may also beused. In these motor driven handle assemblies, a disposable orreusable/rechargeable battery may be used. It is also envisioned thatthe handle assembly could be replaced by a robotic or remotelycontrolled mechanism. In this embodiment, the physician/user is remotefrom the patient and controls the device from a computer input stationor the like. In this embodiment, the reload cartridge assembly (e.g.,reload cartridge assembly 103 in FIG. 1) would be connected to a roboticor remotely controlled arm.

In many embodiments herein, the reload cartridge assembly (e.g., reloadcartridge assembly 103 in FIG. 1) is shown to include a connection tothe handle assembly, a shaft, the jaw assembly including a firstelongated member (e.g., elongated member 107 in FIG. 1) and a secondelongated member (e.g., elongated member 109 in FIG. 1), a hingecomponent to accommodate the articulation of the jaw assembly, and anarticulation joint, which can be mechanically connected to thearticulation assemblies disclosed herein, which allows the distal end ofthe reload cartridge to be articulated. The inventions described hereinare equally applicable to a configuration wherein the handle assembly(e.g., handle assembly 102 in FIG. 1) comprises the handle and thearticulation mechanism and the articulation joint that allows for thearticulation of the jaws. In this embodiment, the entire articulationmechanism (the mechanism and the joint) will be in the shaft of thehandle assembly. In various embodiments, the reload cartridge couldcomprise a connector and the jaw assembly or just a staple cartridge.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that anarrangement calculated to achieve the same results can be substitutedfor the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to coveradaptations or variations of one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. It is to be understood that the above description has beenmade in an illustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combinationof the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specificallydescribed herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art uponreviewing the above description. The scope of the one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure includes other applications inwhich the above structures and processes are used. Therefore, the scopeof one or more embodiments of the present disclosure should bedetermined with reference to the appended claims, along with the fullrange of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, some features are groupedtogether in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining thedisclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the disclosed embodiments of the presentdisclosure have to use more features than are expressly recited in eachclaim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matterlies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus,the following claims are hereby incorporated into the DetailedDescription, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a reloadable cartridgeassembly; and a surgical handle assembly including an articulationassembly configured to maintain the reloadable cartridge assembly in afirst operation position, the articulation assembly comprising: a knobin a first position; a lock core coupled to the knob; a housing; a firstroller and a second roller; and a first spring, wherein the first rolleris positioned on a first end of the first spring and the second rolleris positioned on a second end of the first spring, and wherein the firstspring is configured to bias the first roller and the second rollerbetween the lock core and the housing to maintain the knob in the firstposition.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the articulation assemblyis configured to maintain the reloadable cartridge assembly in one of aplurality of operation positions including the first operation position.3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the articulation assembly furtherincludes a cam coupled to the lock core.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the first roller and the second roller are metal.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a third roller, a fourthroller, and a second spring, wherein the third roller is positioned on afirst side of the second spring and the fourth roller is positioned on asecond side of the second spring, wherein the second spring isconfigured to bias the third roller and the fourth roller between thelock core and the housing to maintain the knob in the first position. 6.The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a fifth roller, a sixthroller, and a third spring, wherein the fifth roller is positioned on afirst side of the third spring and the sixth roller is positioned on asecond side of the third spring, wherein the third spring is configuredto bias the fifth roller and the sixth roller between the lock core andthe housing to maintain the knob in the first position.
 7. An apparatus,comprising: a reloadable cartridge assembly; and a surgical handleassembly including an articulation assembly configured to actuate thereloadable cartridge assembly from a first operation position to asecond operation position, the articulation assembly comprising: a knobconfigured to rotate from a first knob position to a second knobposition; a lock core; a housing; a first roller and a second roller;and a spring, wherein the first roller is positioned on a first side ofthe spring and the second roller is positioned on a second side of thespring, and wherein the spring is configured to bias the first rollerand the second roller between the lock core and the housing and thefirst roller and the second roller are configured to rotate to allow thelock core to rotate with the knob.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, whereinthe reloadable cartridge assembly is configured to rotate about an axisof a particular plane from the first operation position to a secondoperation position.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the knob isactuated to a third knob position and the reloadable cartridge assemblyis actuated to a third operation position.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7,wherein the knob is actuated clockwise from the first knob position tothe second knob position to actuate the reloadable cartridge assemblyclockwise from the first operation position to the second operationposition.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the articulationassembly further includes a first tab and a second tab coupled to theknob.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first tab is configuredto contact the first roller in response to a rotation of the knob fromthe first knob position to the second knob position.
 13. The apparatusof claim 11, wherein the second tab is configured to contact the secondroller in response to a rotation of the knob from the second knobposition to the first knob position.
 14. A method of articulating amedical device comprising: providing the medical device, including: ahousing; a knob having a tab; a lock core, wherein the lock coreincludes a spline; a cam coupled to the lock core via the spline,wherein the cam includes a pin member; a first roller and a secondroller; and a spring, wherein the first roller is positioned on a firstside of the spring and the second roller is positioned on a second sideof the spring, and wherein the spring is configured to bias the firstroller and the second roller between the lock core and the housing;rotating the knob; contacting the first roller with the tab in responseto rotating the knob; rotating the first roller and the second roller inresponse to the tab contacting the first roller; rotating the lock corein response to rotating the first roller and the second roller; rotatingthe cam in response to rotating the lock core; and moving the pin memberof the cam linearly in response to rotating the cam.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the medical device further includes a sliding linkwith a slot, wherein the pin member of the cam is positioned within theslot.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising moving the slidinglink linearly in response to the pin member of the cam moving linearly.17. The method of claim 16, wherein the medical device further includesan articulation arm coupled to the sliding link.
 18. The method of claim17, further comprising moving the articulation arm linearly in responseto the sliding link moving linearly.
 19. The method of claim 18, whereinthe medical device further includes a reloadable cartridge assembly. 20.The method of claim 19, further comprising rotating the reloadablecartridge assembly in response to the articulation arm moving linearly.